Cook and Culture: Tips to sail through January with a breeze  

Digital

Does your schedule make you want to run away? You can be the king of time management. With smart watches and smartphones we are spoiled for choice with many calendar apps from Apple to Android. Best tip will be to make sure your significant other uses a shared calendar app, especially when it comes to the children and your social calendar.

Pro Tip

Brush up on business etiquette. Times changes but manners and professionalism never go out of fashion. Some basics tips are to greet everyone, pay attention to names, make eye contact, introduce yourself or others, be punctual, dress appropriately and when it comes to social media and work, don’t over share and ask if your colleague or client mind a WhatsApp communication.

Food For Thought

Whether you have New Year’s resolutions or shaping your goals, remember it’s not always easy but it is going to be worth it. The past is gone so concentrate on the now.

Local is Lekker

Did you know that an in depth survey is done every three years in the Boksburg community and over 100 other communities across South Africa? Roots is one of South Africa’s longest and largest running consumer behaviour surveys. This allows business owners and marketing and media executives to gain insights into South African shoppers over time. Ask your local Caxton sales representative for more details.

Exciting Summer Salad

No reason to be dull in January. Make some exciting salads packed with berries and nuts, ideal for lunch or dinner.

• 4 steaks of your choice (we used small 1.5cm thick rib-eye steak)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for frying
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• Salt to flavour
• 160g or small tub fresh baby figs (now in season) cut in half
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 100g goat’s cheese or feta
• ¼ cup pecan nuts or nuts of your choice
• Balsamic vinaigrette:
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup honey, salt to taste

Fry steak in a pan with butter or olive oil with mustard seeds for 5 minutes turning occasionally. Rest for 10 minutes and cut into slices. Add all your washed salad ingredients. Mix the vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle over. Add sliced steak on top. If you want to be fancy, pack your salad on individual plates instead of tossing it. It looks beautiful. (Serves 4)

Community Star and Charity

Get involved at your local school. Ask around your child’s school if you could assist and donate stationery or school items to those in need. Most schools have school lunch meal assistance programmes. No child should be learning hungry.

Home Remedy

Keep your home smelling fresh and keep the bugs at bay. Add a drop peppermint essential oil to your diffuser or burner. Add a few drops lemon essential oil for an all-day clean aroma.

 Check It Out

The Boksburg Advertiser car boot sale is the first Saturday of every month at the Bokkie Park. Look out for dates in the Boksburg Advertiser to book your spot or just come and shop. Next car boot sale will take place Saturday, February 1.

Have You Seen It Yet

Get ready to be thrilled with fun and naughty moments! It’s a guaranteed party. The GenX Richard O’Brian’s musical, comedy and horror The Rocky Horror Picture Show is coming to town on January 17 at the Teatro at Montecasino. You could be a “dresser upper”. Get your tickets here.

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